Embedded cryptographic systems, IBM Research

Embedded cryptographic systems

Embedded cryptographic systems is a project of the network security group at the IBM T. J. Watson Research Center, conducting research into embedded cryptographic devices, including secure co-processors, to enable secure processing in otherwise-insecure environments. One focus of research at the moment is Citadel.

Citadel is a prototype workstation cryptographic coprocessor designed and built by the IBM Research Division. Citadel performs encryption and decryption at high speeds using the Data Encryption Standard (DES). It frees the workstation's main processor to perform other duties while cryptographic functions take place asynchronously.

Citadel's architecture is particularly well suited for doing several things very well:

it encrypts/decrypts bulk data at high speeds
it performs public key algorithms at high speeds
it enables secure processing in insecure environments

The coprocessor has its own microprocessor, memory, bus, and specialized DES and RSA hardware.

The hardware and kernel software is designed to operate in a physically secure package. If the package detects tampering, it responds by erasing its encryption keys and other secure memory.

See also Elaine R. Palmer et al., An Introduction to Citadel - A Secure Crypto Coprocessor for Workstations, IFIP SEC'94 Conference Proceedings, Curacao, Netherlands Antilles, May 1994 and IBM Research Communication Report #18373, Sep 1992. .

For more information contact Elaine Palmer (epalmer@watson.ibm.com).

Another focus of work in the group is the FSTC Electronic Check project. This project is being run by the Financial Services Technology Consortium (FSTC). This group is made up of a number of large banks, technology companies, universities, and government institutions and labs.

The Electronic check (E-check) project is an attempt to allow the sending and receiving of electronic payments analogous to the paper check, using the Internet. The embedded cryptographic systems group at IBM Research is one of the participants in the project. For more information contact Jeff Kravitz (morbius@watson.ibm.com).

Yet another focus of work in the group is to investigate smart cards. This includes:

integration of smart cards with electronic commerce and payment systems, such as E-check,
doing research into future smart card technology, such as:
- more advanced smart card chips
- hybrid contact-contactless smart card interfaces,
- biometric sensors and algorithms on smart cards.

For more information contact Jeff Kravitz (morbius@watson.ibm.com).